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Reconstructing the Nipple and Areola After Breast Surgery
During a mastectomy to treat breast cancer, the nipple is usually removed along with the rest of the breast, although the nipple is sometimes left in place with a nipple-sparing mastectomy. If your nipple is removed, you can choose to have it recreated. The darker area around it (areola) can also be recreated.
Nipple and areola reconstruction are done with a small surgical procedure, medical tattooing, or a combination of both. Nipple prosthetics are another option. Prosthetics do not require surgery or tattooing, and they can be removed at any time.
Nipple and areola reconstruction
Reconstructing the nipple and areola is usually the final step in breast reconstruction. It is done to help the breast look more like it did before surgery.
This is a separate procedure. It is often done about 3 to 4 months after the main reconstruction, once you’ve healed. It may be done as outpatient surgery or sometimes in a doctor’s office.
The goal is to match your natural breast, or to match both sides if both breasts are being rebuilt. This may include:
- Matching the position, size, shape, and projection of the nipple
- Matching the color and appearance of the areola
- Using tissue from the reconstructed breast, or less often, tissue from another area of your body
- Using tattooing to add color and create a more natural look
Tattooing without surgery
Some people choose tattooing alone, without nipple and areola reconstruction. This is sometimes called 3D tattooing or medical nipple tattooing.
It is less invasive than surgery, and special shading can make the flat tattoo look raised like a real nipple. The artist uses a needle to place pigments under your skin. Most people finish in 1 or 2 visits.
Some insurance plans cover this as part of reconstruction.
Who does medical nipple tattooing?
A specially trained medical professional or tattoo artist usually does this work. Some hospitals have their own tattoo specialists on staff. Others refer people to an outside studio that focuses on this type of tattooing.
If you're interested, ask your surgeon or breast care team for a referral. Many plastic surgery practices work with a specific tattoo artist.
How long do I have to wait to get a nipple tattoo after breast reconstruction?
This is usually done about 3 to 4 months after reconstruction surgery, once the area has fully healed. It’s often the last step in breast reconstruction.
There is no rush to decide. If you skip the tattoo now, you can always choose to get one later.
What are the risks?
As with any tattoo, there is a small risk of infection, allergic reaction, or fading color over time. In rare cases, people have had an allergic reaction that shows up weeks after the tattoo. If you notice redness, swelling, or irritation at the tattoo site at any point, let your care team know.
Nipple prosthetics
Nipple prosthetics are another option. These do not require surgery or tattooing.
Nipple prosthetics:
- Are made from materials like silicone
- Look and feel a lot like real nipples
- Can be attached to your chest using adhesives and removed at any time
- Written by
- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reconstruction. Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reconstruction on March 10, 2026.
Jagsi R, King TA, Lehman C, Morrow M, Harris JR, Burstein HJ. Chapter 79: Malignant Tumors of the Breast. In: DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA, eds. DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2023
Mehrara BJ, Ho AY. Breast Reconstruction. In: Harris JR, Lippman ME, Morrow M, Osborne CK, eds. Diseases of the Breast. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2022.
National Cancer Institute. Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy. 2025. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/reconstruction-fact-sheet on March 10, 2026.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Breast Cancer. Version 2.2026. Accessed at https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast.pdf March 9, 2026.
Last Revised: July 1, 2026
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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